Facade of the Honolulu Museum of Art School in Honolulu, Hawaii

Linekona School

Linekona School Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Honolulu’s Historic Landmark

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Linekona School’s Legacy in Honolulu

Located in the heart of Honolulu, Linekona School—today the Honolulu Museum of Art School—stands as a testament to Hawaiʻi’s educational history, architectural distinction, and cultural vitality. With roots reaching back to 1831 as the Oahu Charity School, it was Hawaiʻi’s first English-language school and a pioneering institution west of the Rocky Mountains (Wikipedia; Images of Old Hawaiʻi). Over time, Linekona has evolved through multiple educational roles, reflecting Hawaiʻi’s dynamic multicultural society and commitment to learning.

Constructed in 1908 and designed by Henry Livingston Kerr, the current building is a landmark of Colonial Revival and Romanesque Revival architecture. Today, it houses the Honolulu Museum of Art School, supporting thousands of students annually with programs that celebrate both indigenous Hawaiian and contemporary arts, fostering community inclusion and cultural revitalization (SAH Archipedia; Ferraro Choi; Honolulu Museum of Art; The Science Survey).

This guide provides everything you need to plan your visit—hours, tickets, accessibility, guided tours, nearby attractions, and the broader significance of Linekona School within Honolulu’s cultural landscape (Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation; Tourist Places Guide).

Historic Linekona School building in Honolulu now serving as the Honolulu Museum of Art School

History: From Oahu Charity School to Honolulu Museum of Art School
Architectural Highlights
Visiting Information: Hours, Admission, and Accessibility
Tours, Events, and Nearby Attractions
Educational and Community Programs
FAQs and Visitor Tips
References

History: From Oahu Charity School to Honolulu Museum of Art School

Early Foundations (1831–1908)

Linekona’s origins date to 1831 with the Oahu Charity School, the first English-language school in Hawaiʻi. Initially serving children of mixed Hawaiian and foreign descent, the school became a model for public education in the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi (Wikipedia; Images of Old Hawaiʻi). Evolving through names and functions—Town Free School, Mililani School for Girls, and Fort Street English Day School—it eventually became Honolulu High School in 1895.

Construction and Architectural Distinction (1908)

The present building opened in 1908 to house the newly named President William McKinley High School (SAH Archipedia). Designed by Henry Livingston Kerr in Colonial and Romanesque Revival styles, it featured pre-cast masonry blocks, tall arched windows for natural ventilation, electricity (advanced for its time), specialized laboratories, a library, and an assembly hall (Images of Old Hawaiʻi; Flickr).

Transition to Lincoln (Linekona) Elementary (1923–1956)

In 1923, McKinley High relocated, and the building became Lincoln (Linekona) Elementary School (Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation). It played a pivotal community role and adopted the “English standard plan,” which, while promoting English proficiency, also reflected the social dynamics of the era (SAH Archipedia).

Special Education and Adult Learning (1957–1980s)

A new Lincoln Elementary School opened elsewhere in 1957, and the original building was renamed Linekona, serving children with learning disabilities and later as a center for English as a second language, adult education, and special programs (Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation; Images of Old Hawaiʻi).

Preservation and Transformation (1990–Present)

By the late 1980s, the building was in disrepair but underwent significant restoration in 1990, becoming the Academy Art Center and, later, the Honolulu Museum of Art School (Images of Old Hawaiʻi; Wikipedia). Today, it offers extensive art education and outreach, including specialized programs for children with special needs and public school students. In 2021, the campus expanded with a new courtyard and kiln house (Wikipedia).

Recognition

Linekona was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 (Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation). It stands as a rare example of early 20th-century educational architecture and continues to foster creativity and learning for future generations.

Architectural Highlights

The Linekona School’s striking pre-cast masonry exterior and grand portico blend Colonial Revival symmetry with Romanesque arches, exemplifying early 20th-century Hawaiian institutional architecture (Ferraro Choi). Airy corridors, high ceilings, and oversized windows maximize light and ventilation. The interior, adapted for art education, features flexible classrooms, advanced lighting, and accessibility features that respect the building’s historic character.

Visiting Information: Hours, Admission, and Accessibility

Location:
1111 Victoria Street, Honolulu, HI 96814, across from Thomas Square and near the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Visiting Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Hours may vary for special events. Always check the official website before visiting.

Admission:

Free entry to galleries and exhibitions
Fees apply for workshops, classes, and some events (Honolulu Museum of Art)

Accessibility:

Fully ADA-compliant: ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Assistance available upon request (Ferraro Choi)

Parking and Transit:

Limited street parking; nearby lots available
Accessible via multiple bus lines
Bicycle racks on site

Tours, Events, and Nearby Attractions

Guided Tours:

Available by appointment, offering in-depth insights into the building’s history and art programs

Special Events:

Annual student art exhibitions, open houses, art fairs, and cultural festivals
Check online calendar for event schedules and ticketing

Nearby Attractions:

Thomas Square: Historic park ideal for a stroll
Honolulu Museum of Art: Hawaiʻi’s premier art collection
Iolani Palace: Only royal palace in the United States
Chinatown: Vibrant markets and eateries
Blaisdell Center: Major event venue

Educational and Community Programs

Art Classes: For children, teens, and adults—painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, digital media
Hawaiian Cultural Workshops: Kapa making, lauhala weaving, and natural pigment art (The Science Survey)
Financial Assistance: Over 40% of students receive aid, supporting inclusivity
Community Events: Open studios, family art days, and artist talks

The school is a hub for intergenerational and cross-cultural learning, supporting local artists and promoting the Hawaiian cultural renaissance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Typically Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. Closed Sunday. Check the website for updates.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Admission to galleries and exhibitions is free; fees apply to classes and workshops.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography is allowed in public areas; ask staff about restrictions during exhibitions.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Street parking and nearby lots are available; public transit is recommended during busy hours.

Visitor Tips

Register for Classes: Workshops fill quickly, especially during holidays.
Arrive Early: For parking and prime access during events.
Be Respectful: Follow staff guidance and posted signs.
Family-Friendly: Supervised children are welcome in most spaces.
Support Local Artists: Visit the gift shop for unique Hawaiian art.

Broader Context and Cultural Impact

Linekona School is part of Honolulu’s vibrant arts corridor, collaborating with institutions like the Honolulu Museum of Art and Hawaii State Art Museum (Tourist Places Guide). It plays a key role in sustainable tourism, cultural literacy, and the ongoing Hawaiian cultural renaissance, offering meaningful engagement for both residents and visitors (The Science Survey; Doctors of Waikiki).

Plan Your Visit

To plan your visit, check the latest hours, class schedules, and events at the Honolulu Museum of Art School website. Follow on social media for updates, and consider the Audiala app for interactive tours and cultural insights.

Explore virtual galleries, download maps, and read related articles to enhance your Honolulu experience.